Love The Game, Not The Odds

With footy finals in full swing, young sports fans are being reminded that you don’t need to have a bet to enjoy the on-field action.

Minister for Gaming and Liquor Regulation Marlene Kairouz today joined Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation CEO Serge Sardo and Member for Ivanhoe Anthony Carbines to launch the Foundation’s Love the Game, Not the Odds campaign with Ivanhoe Junior Football Club.

The new TV, radio and online ads, as well as resources for kids and parents will highlight the way gambling is changing the way kids see sport.

A study by the Foundation of 152 sports fans aged 8 to 16 released earlier this year found that two thirds could recall the name of at least one sports betting brand, while one in five could identify three or more.

The first phase of the $1.1 million advertising campaign will run for four weeks from 21 September. The second phase will run from early March to late April 2017.

The launch of the campaign comes after the Andrews Labor Government last month called for public feedback on its proposal to ban sports betting advertising on public transport and near schools.

“This campaign sends the message that having a punt is not a normal part of watching the game, it educates kids and parents about how to protect against the risks.”

“With the AFL grand final just around the corner, it is the perfect time to launch this campaign, which will provide a much needed reminder to love the game, not the odds.”

Quote attributable to Member for Ivanhoe Anthony Carbines

“Sadly, it’s now increasingly common for kids to link gambling with sport. But gambling isn’t an integral part of sport, and as parents, we have a huge role to play teaching our kids about the risks of betting.”